Ombudsman Program

Initiated September 2010

If any faculty member has concerns, complaints, or particular anxieties concerning any aspect of their work environment that have not been adequately addressed through regular channels, or which seem intractable, please feel free to communicate or meet with any of the distinguished emeritus faculty appointed to serve as ombudspersons, listed below.

The ombudspersons promise discretion and support, and will do what they can to bring parties together and resolve the particular problem. The ombudsperson program is not intended in any way to replace existing structures of grievance resolution, but to provide an additional service to Northwestern faculty.

This program was an initiative of the General Faculty Committee (now the Faculty Senate), with the help of President Schapiro, Provost Linzer, and the Office of General Counsel. Particular credit for the program is due to Professors Laurie Zoloth and John Elson.